Hi AllReading through all the various posts and am interested in thoughts from those that have used independent building inspectors. Would you use them at each stage ie: slab, plate, roof, look up and PCI? Or just certain points throughout the build, and if so which one/s.

We are still in early planning stages, just waiting for our pre-start to happen but want to know to factor costs in for a building inspector. Have had a couple of quotes and they range in prices of $1400 - 2000 if buying as a complete.

I'm thinking it's worth it but with all the costs constantly adding up am also having a wee anxiety attack each time I look at the list. But also mindful of if something is wrong and not picked up how much it could potentially cost us later on.

Yes I have done a search, and can't find one that specifically says anything about what inspections people should/shouldnt do or their experience of them overall. The majority of them have been about a specific problem and then building inspections done.

Also havent had any current building inspector (have gotten a range of quote) mentioned anything about precontract signing. Why would you have a building inspector go over your contract?

You would need a building consultant who is suitably qualified and very experienced with contracts and who knows what to look for. The examples are too numerous to mention but include the suitability of specked fittings (Solar HWS for example) that are compatible with the manufacturer's size recommendations and suitability for the region, windows and step downs at correct and proper heights, proper slab heights that allow correct drainage, discovery of Performance Solutions and Unfair Contract Clauses, compliant stormwater drainage, double charges etc.

This forum is littered with gripes about all sorts of 'surprises' that should have been picked up pre contract signing and only last week I was reading a post about one forum member finding a $25,000 debit that should have been a credit, a $50,000 turnaround but big ones like that are usually discovered.

The thread below is one of many about build contracts that are worth reading.

You haven't mentioned where you are building. If you are building in Victoria, building consultants who do inspections do not have to be qualified or registered but regardless of where you are, you need to select your consultant carefully.

Hi AllReading through all the various posts and am interested in thoughts from those that have used independent building inspectors. Would you use them at each stage ie: slab, plate, roof, look up and PCI? Or just certain points throughout the build, and if so which one/s.

We are still in early planning stages, just waiting for our pre-start to happen but want to know to factor costs in for a building inspector. Have had a couple of quotes and they range in prices of $1400 - 2000 if buying as a complete.

I'm thinking it's worth it but with all the costs constantly adding up am also having a wee anxiety attack each time I look at the list. But also mindful of if something is wrong and not picked up how much it could potentially cost us later on.

Thoughts please?

TIA

Hi we used Cap-it-all it’s a Joondalup family owned business, they were spot on they did three inspections plate height, roof frame and PCI, we also built with HGWA they did a fantastic job with our home but knowing we had someone inspect those stages just gave us piece of mind,

they also rectified issues our inspector found, we found it a bit stressful paying mortgage, rent and the fee on top but maybe seeing if the inspection company have option to prepay could take a bit of stress for you wishing you all the best